As the flu virus continues its deadly spread across North Texas, health officials are telling those who have been avoiding flu shots that there is still time to get protected. And many hold outs are beginning to listen.

The small lobby of the Neighborhood Clinic on Collins in Arlington was cramped with patients Monday, many of them suffering flu-like symptoms. When asked if the number of patients was larger than normal a doctor said, “Oh goodness, yes!”

Dallas County Health officials say flu cases are up 40 percent since October. The bump in cases has come earlier than usual in the flu season and has pharmacists working hard to keep flu antivirals in stock.